Accra – The bees are talking to us – not through sound, but through its presence, absence, and steady loss of failure. Alongside butterflies, bats, beetles, several mammals and birds, these tireless workers feed us, protect biodiversity, and maintain resilient crops and wild plants in the agricultural system. When they thrive, the ecosystem thrives. When they are quiet, we can do that too.
All over the African continent, bees do more than make honey. They maintain their livelihoods, nurture biodiversity and help restore ecosystems. In the United Republic of Tanzania, 35,000 hectares of Myombo Forest have been revived through restoration efforts led by the Forest Service Agency, and the beekeeping value chain is being strengthened to support sustainable and profitable livelihoods. In Rwanda, more than 9,000 beekeepers (30% of women and young people) are trained through the project through “capacity building to increase the quality and quantity of Rwanda honeybee products.”
Meanwhile, in Ethiopia, sustainable beekeeping practices support conflict-affected communities in the Kilvati zone in distant regions through the project “Restoring Honey Value Chain in Disputed Communities” . These are not isolated interventions. They are part of the growth of the continental transition to a pollinator-friendly agrifood system.
Pollinators allow 87 of the world’s 115 major edible crops, and nearly 90% (308,000 species) of the world’s wild flowering plants. Their contributions go far beyond agriculture. They support the structure of ecosystems, diets and rural economy. Approximately 1.4 billion people rely on employment and income, particularly pollination of smallholder farmers across Africa. When the bees disappear, food becomes scarce, nutritional levels plummet, and local economy relaxes. Pollinator deficits are associated with a reduced availability of nutrient-rich foods that can increase food anxiety and increase diet-related illnesses, particularly in areas already vulnerable to malnutrition.
Changes in land use, habitat loss, unsustainable agricultural practices, pests and diseases, and invasive species all contribute to the reduction in pollinators. The Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reports that approximately 40% of invertebrate pollinator species, particularly honeybees and butterflies, are exposed to extinction. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is concerned about this trend.
Pollinators are important ally as we work towards more climate-sensitive agrifood systems and are supported by crop systems that produce less production. A variety of pollinator-friendly farms are adaptable to climate shocks and often produce better quality crops with fewer external inputs. Without pollinators, we cannot build a sustainable agrifood system that feeds Africa’s growing population.
The FAO is not standing still. Under the auspices of the International Initiative on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pollinators, FAO works with governments and communities to protect pollinators through various global, regional and national projects. Global Actions from Pollination Services Platform provide a one-stop hub for beekeepers, educators and policymakers with glossary, toolkits and the latest science to provide inspiration and information.
Through forest and farm facilities, FAO is helping to strengthen the capacity of local producers in Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia, ensuring sustainable beekeeping and pollinator-friendly agricultural practices. These are more than projects, they are part of a global movement to make agricultural production systems a force for biodiversity protection.
Pollinator-friendly agriculture works. It strengthens ecosystems, supports smallholder farmers, and helps communities withstand climate shocks. These practices are rooted in science and have been proven in this field, from the Savannah forest to the edge of the forest, indicating a practical and comprehensive path to the food system that continues.
We all have a role to play. Plant pollinator-friendly flowers, especially native species. Avoid using harmful chemicals, especially during the flowering period when pollinators are most active. Support local beekeepers and buy honey from sustainable sources. Schools and municipalities encourage people to create pollinator gardens and corridors that provide safe and nutritious habitat for these important creatures.
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Although it is smaller in size, it has a major impact on pollinators. They are climate heroes, biodiversity champions, and silent architects of our agrifood system. Protecting them goes beyond species savings. It is fundamental to ensure a shared future.
Let’s do more than celebrate this World Bee Day. Let’s take action. Invest in pollinator-friendly solutions, support community-driven innovation, and ensure that nature’s most important workers can continue their work.
Yurdi Yasmi is the director of plant production and conservation at FAO. He previously served as the deputy FAO regional representative for Africa and the FAO representative for Ghana. In his current role, he leads global efforts to support member states in the transition to a sustainable crop production system.
